Richmond Council challenges Heathrow expansion plans over noise and pollution

Richmond Council has formally objected to the Government’s draft Heathrow expansion national policy statement, arguing the plans prioritise economic growth over the health of local residents. The council’s response, submitted on 12 August 2026, challenges the necessity of a third runway and the adequacy of proposed mitigations for noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions.

Heathrow Airport Limited proposes a 3,500-metre northwest runway, which would require relocating a section of the M25. The Government estimates the expansion could deliver over £40 billion in benefits to the UK, but Richmond Council disputes this figure, calling the assessment weighted in favour of expansion. A final decision on the runway is not expected until 2029.

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Council disputes economic case and safeguards

The draft national policy statement sets out four tests the expansion must meet, including economic growth, climate obligations, air quality, and noise commitments. Richmond Council argues these tests are too loosely defined and designed to favour approval rather than provide a rigorous assessment of impacts.

Jamie Fisher, Richmond Council’s head of policy and strategy, said the Government had not made a convincing case for expansion. He added that local communities, including those in Richmond, should not bear the costs of increased noise and pollution for questionable economic gains. The council’s response also criticises proposed mitigations, such as noise insulation and compensation, as insufficient.

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The Government has not properly made the case for expansion at Heathrow. It also argues strongly that local communities, including Richmond, should not be exposed to the additional harm from expansion and that the questionable economic growth should not come at the expense of local residents.

Jamie Fisher, head of policy and strategy, Richmond Council

What happens next

The public consultation on the draft policy statement closes on 1 September 2026. The Government will then review responses before deciding whether to proceed. A parliamentary vote on the policy statement is expected by the end of the year. If approved, Heathrow Airport Limited would still need to submit a formal planning application, with a final decision on the runway due in 2029.